The Best Sex Drive Pills
Every man’s sex drive is different. Some guys can go days, weeks, or even months without thinking about sex, while others can’t go ten minutes.
Your sex drive, or libido, plays a big role in how often you and your partner get it on, how sexually compatible you feel, and how satisfying your encounters are. If you’re struggling to get in the mood, you might wonder how to increase male libido with supplements, like so-called sex drive pills.
Though male libido supplements (sometimes called “horny pills”) sprawl across the internet, the science behind many of these products is lacking. Other options may be less obvious but more effective.
Below, we’ll explain what sex drive pills are, how they work, and whether they’re safe. We’ll also share tips you can follow instead to improve your sex life.
Sex Drive: What Is and Isn’t Normal
There’s no such thing as a “normal” sex drive for men or women. As we’ve covered in our guide on how often couples have sex, libido can vary hugely from one person to the next.
So a “normal” sex drive is really a question of how you feel about your level of sexual activity.
Libido is a cloudy subject affected by numerous factors. Your sex drive might feel “off” because of gaps in your diet, hormonal imbalances, mental health issues, side effects from antidepressants, or stress.
As for the question of libido in relationships, there’s more nuance here. You shouldn’t panic if you and your partner go through periods where you just don’t have sex that often.
But if your sex drive is consistently lower than you want it to be, the problem could be physical (like hormonal imbalances) or rooted in a mental health issue like depression.
And if you rarely feel interested in sex, or if you find it difficult to have sex due to issues like erectile dysfunction (ED) or premature ejaculation (PE), it could be a sign something’s not quite right.
What Are the Benefits of Taking Sex Drive Pills?
There isn’t a clear definition of sex drive pills. Most of the time, they’re supplements marketed to boost sexual desire, improve performance, or address conditions such as erectile dysfunction.
The supposed health benefits of natural remedies and supplements aren’t backed by much science. Not only that, but many ignore the fact that low libido might be caused by a medical condition that health supplements can’t or won’t address.
As we’ve covered in our guide to male-enhancement pills, evidence is limited. Even worse, many non-prescription pills claiming to boost sexual performance are tainted with hidden ingredients, including some that may be harmful.
One reason these pills are so popular is that, as dietary supplements, they can be sold without a prescription. This makes them seem like a quick and easy solution.
However, the results usually aren’t impressive, and the risks are very real.
What to Know About “Natural” Sex Drive Supplements and Aphrodisiacs
Some natural aphrodisiacs claim to boost testosterone. Others promise to reduce the effects of mental health issues that may be spilling over from work or other parts of your life into the bedroom.
“Sexual enhancement” supplements are typically herbal supplements promoted as being able to increase sex drive and improve sexual function.
Some male-enhancement pills also claim to boost penis size, increase ejaculation, and enhance a man’s ability to have sex.
Other natural remedies may not have an explanation at all, instead relying on buzzwords (like “sex drive pills” or “testosterone boosters”) and discreet packaging to sell products.
What Should Men Take to Increase Sex Drive?
So, if male-enhancement supplements generally aren’t effective at improving sexual function, what products are? Are there any safe drugs that make you sexually active?
A few medications have been proven to increase sex drive — or at least improve certain aspects of sexual function in men. These include ED medications, over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs for premature ejaculation, and hormonal treatments such as testosterone replacement therapy for low T.
You can get medical advice from a healthcare professional through Hims to see if any of these products are right for you.
Sex Drive Pill Alternatives: Proven Options for Increasing Libido and Performance
If not sex drive pills, what are the proven options for elevating libido? It really depends on what problems you’re dealing with.
For instance, a guy struggling with intimacy issues probably doesn’t need testosterone — he needs mental health support to work through those issues. Meanwhile, a man who’s eating poorly could have a vitamin deficiency.
Depending on what ails your libido, the following options might help you get back into business.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy to Boost Sex Drive
Testosterone is the male body’s main sex hormone. It helps regulate your sex drive.
One of the most common causes of a loss of sex drive is low testosterone (aka “low T). This health condition can develop with age as part of a general decline in hormone levels.
Testosterone isn’t typically available in pill form. Your healthcare provider might suggest another form of testosterone, such as a cream or injection, if you have clinically low testosterone levels.
Our guide to testosterone-replacement therapy (TRT) goes into more detail about the benefits of testosterone therapy for sex drive, along with its potential risks and adverse effects.
Clomiphene (Clomid®) is a medication that does come in pill form. It’s used to treat infertility in women, but because of the way it works in the body, it can also address low testosterone in men. The benefit of clomiphene is that it doesn’t have many of the same side effects as TRT.
Natural Supplements for Male Libido
We’re not generally fans of natural supplements that promise to increase libido in men. That said, limited studies have shown that certain ingredients might help a lackluster libido. A few of these include:
Ginkgo biloba
But these natural options may have only shown promise for libido in limited trials or animal testing — and the studies aren’t always high-quality.
The question isn’t whether you can find evidence in a study but whether that study can tell you how to consume the ingredients safely. Most supplement research doesn’t go that far, and the herbal remedies that promise big results haven’t gotten approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for their claims.
We did find one small study that looked at a supplement’s effect on libido: Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) was linked to better libido in a group of 60 men between ages 25 and 52 over six weeks.
Medications for Sexual Dysfunction
In the world of proven options for better sex, you can’t discount medications for erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. Just bear in mind that these prescription drugs don’t have a direct impact on libido.
However, since they improve performance, they could indirectly raise your confidence, willingness, and interest in sex.
Addressing the health problems associated with ED (like high blood pressure, heart disease, or obesity) could also get you back up and running.
Can Erectile Dysfunction Pills Help Improve Sex Drive?
ED medications won’t directly increase your sex drive — they improve blood flow to penile tissues, making it easier to get an erection when you’re turned on.
But as noted, these prescription drugs can have a positive impact on your self-confidence in bed, especially if you often struggle with erectile dysfunction.
An increase in confidence could have a real impact on your sexual appetite and level of sexual energy. This confidence boost may result in you and your partner having sex more often.
Since sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra®) became available to the public in 1998, the FDA has approved three other oral medications for ED:
Vardenafil (the active ingredient in Levitra®)
Avanafil (a newer ED medication available as Stendra®)
These erectile dysfunction meds are PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitors and work in similar ways.
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Can Premature Ejaculation Medication Boost Libido?
Premature ejaculation is a common sexual performance problem that can have a negative effect on your self-confidence in bed, potentially reducing the amount of sex you have.
In fact, research has found that men affected by PE are more likely to report low levels of sexual satisfaction, as well as feelings of shame, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
Like ED medications, treatments for premature ejaculation don’t appear to increase sex drive directly. But by enhancing sexual performance, they could offer a confidence boost that makes you more motivated to have sex with your partner.
Currently, several options are available for treating PE and improving sexual stamina. These include:
Topical premature ejaculation treatments. These treatments work by reducing your level of sensitivity during sex, helping you last longer in bed. For instance, Hims Clockstopper Climax Delay Wipes contain the mild anesthetic benzocaine to control sensitivity and increase stamina.
Prescription premature ejaculation pills. Some medications used to treat depression, such as sertraline and paroxetine, can give you more control over your ability to reach orgasm and ejaculate when used as needed before sex. Viagra might also affect how long you last in bed.
Explore a range of premature ejaculation treatments online. Some prescription products are available through Hims following a consultation with a healthcare provider.
ED treatments, delivered
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Traditional Pill
SildenafilGeneric equivalent to Viagra®
From £2.36/use
The most commonly prescribed ED treatment, contains the same active ingredient as Viagra® but is 80% more affordable than the brand name.
Traditional Pill
As-Needed TadalafilGeneric Cialis®
From £2.36/use
The unbranded, more affordable generic form of Cialis® taken as needed. It is clinically proven to help men get and keep harder erections for up to 36 hours.
Traditional Pill
Viagra Connect®
From £5.83/use
The over-the-counter branded version of sildenafil. Viagra Connect® improves blood flow to the penis, helping you achieve and maintain strong and satisfying erections.
Traditional Pill
Daily TadalafilDaily Generic Cialis®
From £21/month
A clinically proven treatment for erectile dysfunction that helps men achieve and maintain erections more easily. It gives you the freedom to enjoy spontaneous sex without needing to plan ahead.
Important safety information for Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Tadalafil Daily or Viagra Connect.
Other Tips for Boosting Sex Drive and Increasing Arousal
Various factors play a role in a man’s sex drive, erectile function, and sexual performance. These include physical health, psychological well-being, and the level of connection you feel with your partner.
Certain sex drive pills or medications may help increase your confidence in the bedroom and make you feel more interested in sex. But this isn’t the only piece of the puzzle. Enhancing your libido should prioritize safety and well-being, emphasizing a healthy lifestyle over potentially risky supplements with unproven claims.
Beyond considering medication, try the following techniques to improve arousal and boost your sex drive:
Get at least seven hours of sleep a night. Sleep plays a critical role in sexual health. Sleep disorders are often associated with sexual performance issues like erectile dysfunction.
If you don’t exercise regularly, start. Regular exercise increases blood circulation throughout the body and is associated with improvements in general sexual functioning. Stay active by getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, plus two muscle-strengthening workouts.
Eat a balanced, healthy diet. Though the link between specific foods and sex drive isn’t very strong, eating a balanced diet can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of common sexual performance issues like ED.
If you smoke, try to quit. Smoking can contribute to sexual disorders in several ways, including by damaging blood vessels and reducing libido.
Avoid illicit drugs. Many recreational drugs can have a negative effect on both sex drive and sexual performance. Avoid using illegal drugs, and talk to your healthcare provider if you think you may have a substance use disorder.
Work on your connection with your partner. Sex is all about trust, and the closer you feel to your partner, the more interested you’ll likely be in having sex with each other. Set aside quality time to spend with your partner, whether it’s relaxing at home with a movie or a weekly date night.
Our guide to natural techniques for improving erections lists other habits and changes you can make for better sex and a higher quality of life.
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The Bottom Line on Pills to Increase Male Sex Drive
Many factors play a role in your sex drive, from testosterone levels to your connection with your partner and past sexual experiences.
If you’ve recently noticed a loss of libido, a mix of medication and changes to daily habits may help reinvigorate your sex drive and improve your relationship.
Here’s the TL;DR on sex drive pills:
The best male libido supplement is one that works for you. However, when it comes to treating low sex drive and improving sexual desire, you should consider proven treatments first.
Low libido may be related to physical or mental health issues. Low testosterone, depression, anxiety, and stress are all potential causes of low sex drive.
Research shows that sexual wellness is related to overall health. Making lifestyle changes like losing weight, lowering cholesterol, exercising, eating well, and other factors might help with overall wellness and sexual well-being.
Not sure what the best treatment is for you? Take our free online consultation and get the right treatment to suit your needs.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment or medication.